Arlington, TX DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for driving under the influence can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life—especially when it’s your first offense. If you’re facing your first DUI in Arlington, Texas, you’re probably feeling a mix of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. What happens next? Will you go to jail? Will you lose your license? These are normal concerns, and you are not alone in this.

As an experienced Arlington DUI lawyer, I’ve helped many people just like you take back control of their lives after a DUI arrest. The decisions you make in the hours and days following your arrest can significantly affect your future, which is why it’s essential to act quickly, understand your rights, and get the legal guidance you deserve.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI in Arlington, call 1-888-839-4384 or use our online contact form to speak with a top rated Texas DUI lawyer for a free consultation today!

What Does a First DUI in Arlington Involve?

A DUI in Texas refers to “Driving Under the Influence” of alcohol or drugs, and even a first offense is treated seriously under Texas law. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, you can be charged with a DUI. For drivers under 21, any detectable alcohol is enough for an arrest under Texas’ zero-tolerance policy.

You might also be charged even if your BAC is below 0.08% if law enforcement believes your mental or physical faculties were impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. This can include illegal substances or even prescription medication.

A first DUI in Arlington can carry the following penalties:

• Up to 180 days in jail (with a minimum of 3 mandatory days if BAC was over 0.08%)
• A fine of up to $2,000
• Driver’s license suspension for up to 12 months
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device
• Required attendance at a DWI education or intervention program
• Annual license surcharge of up to $2,000 for three years

Even if you avoid jail time, a conviction can follow you for years—harming your job prospects, raising your insurance premiums, and affecting your reputation.

What Should You Do After a DUI Arrest in Arlington?

If you’ve been arrested for your first DUI in Arlington, your next steps are critical:

1. Contact an Arlington DUI Lawyer Immediately
   The most important action you can take is to speak with a qualified Arlington DUI lawyer as soon as possible. A local attorney with experience handling first-time DUI offenses in Tarrant County can evaluate the circumstances of your arrest, explain your legal options, and begin crafting a defense strategy tailored to your case.
2. Request an ALR Hearing Within 15 Days
   In Texas, you only have 15 days from the date of your arrest to request an Administrative License Revocation (ALR) hearing. If you miss this window, your license will be automatically suspended. A seasoned Arlington DUI lawyer can handle this request on your behalf and fight to protect your driving privileges.
3. Document Everything You Remember
   Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, what the officer said, and whether you submitted to a breath or blood test. These details can be crucial in building your defense.
4. Comply with All Court Orders and Conditions of Release
   If you were released on bond, you must follow all bond conditions, which may include avoiding alcohol, attending check-ins, or installing an interlock device. Missing a court date or violating a condition can result in additional charges.

Why You Need an Arlington DUI Lawyer for a First-Time Offense

Many people mistakenly believe that a first DUI is a minor offense or that pleading guilty will “get it over with.” The truth is, even a first conviction can carry life-altering consequences.

An experienced Arlington DUI lawyer can:

• Review the legality of the traffic stop to determine if your rights were violated
• Challenge the accuracy of breath or blood test results, which are not always reliable
• Investigate the conduct of law enforcement, including whether field sobriety tests were administered properly
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or case dismissal
• Represent you at all hearings, including your ALR hearing to save your license

No two DUI cases are alike. Your defense must be custom-built based on the facts of your case, and that’s exactly what a qualified Arlington DUI lawyer will do.

Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your First DUI in Arlington

When searching for a lawyer, it’s important to find someone who not only has experience with Texas DWI law, but also knows the Arlington court system and has strong relationships with local judges and prosecutors.

Ask these questions when hiring a DUI lawyer:

• How many DUI cases have you handled in Arlington?
• What’s your success rate with first-time DUI charges?
• Will you personally handle my case or pass it to a junior associate?
• Do you offer a free initial consultation?

The right lawyer will make sure you understand your rights, keep you informed at every stage, and fight aggressively to protect your future.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Getting arrested for your first DUI in Arlington can feel like the end of the world—but it’s not. With experienced legal representation, it’s possible to fight the charges, reduce the penalties, or in some cases, avoid a conviction entirely.

As a dedicated Arlington DUI lawyer, I take pride in defending first-time offenders with compassion and determination. If you’re ready to take control of your situation and start building your defense, I’m here to help.

Call 1-888-839-4384 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated DUI attorney in Arlington and begin putting this behind you.